PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the October 14, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
To give food to a person, animal, or plant.
To supply or provide something regularly, such as information or data.
To insert material into a machine for processing.
A channel or stream of content, such as news or social media updates.
Can be used as a verb or noun; also appears in technology and media contexts.
An object, item, or entity that can be seen, touched, or thought about.
A situation or event.
A concept or idea.
A personal possession or belonging.
The term can be used broadly in everyday language to refer to almost anything, including objects, ideas, events, or possessions.
To present or provide food, drink, or a service to someone.
To perform duties or fulfill a role, especially in a job or position.
In sports, to start play by hitting or throwing the ball to an opponent.
To deliver a legal document to someone, such as a summons or subpoena.
The term can be used as a verb in various contexts including food service, sports, legal processes, and general duties.
An idea or proposal offered for consideration or action.
A slight indication or hint of something.
The psychological process by which one person influences another's thoughts or behavior.
A recommendation given to improve or solve a problem.
The term can be used in everyday conversation, psychology, and decision-making contexts.
Having a strong, intense, or passionate quality, often related to fire or heat.
Characterized by anger or strong emotion.
Bright red or orange in color, resembling flames.
Energetic or spirited in behavior or speech.
The term can describe literal fire, emotions, colors, or personality traits.
A quick, small movement or flash of light.
To shine unsteadily or vary rapidly in brightness.
To make a sudden, quick movement, especially with a part of the body.
A type of bird known for its distinctive flicking tail movements.
Can be used as a verb or noun; also a brand name and slang term in some contexts.
A sudden, brief burst of bright light.
A quick display of information on a screen.
A rapid movement or occurrence.
A type of memory storage in electronics.
Can also refer to a name, brand, or slang term.
To encourage or stir up negative feelings or actions, such as rebellion or unrest.
To promote the growth or development of something, especially something undesirable.
To apply a warm or medicated cloth to a part of the body to relieve pain or inflammation.
The term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
To break or crush something violently and noisily.
A popular wrestling move where an opponent is forcefully hit or thrown.
A term in cooking referring to mashing food, especially potatoes.
An acronym for 'Simultaneous Multiple Attack and Strike Handling' in military contexts.
The term can be used as a verb, noun, name, or acronym depending on context.
A fictional superhero character from Marvel Comics known for his immense strength and green skin.
A large, old ship that is no longer seaworthy and is often used for storage.
To move stealthily or sneakily, especially in a threatening manner.
An abbreviation for 'High-Utility Lightweight Kit' in certain technical contexts.
The term can refer to a comic book character, a type of ship, a verb, or an acronym depending on context.
To follow or track the course or development of something.
A very small amount or sign of something.
A line or mark left by something that has passed.
To copy a drawing or pattern by following its lines with a transparent sheet.
The term can be used as a verb or noun in various contexts including technology, art, and everyday language.
To handle or do something clumsily or awkwardly, often resulting in a mistake or dropping something.
In American football, to lose possession of the ball by dropping it.
To hesitate or struggle to find the right words or actions.
To make a mistake or blunder in any task or situation.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and is common in sports, everyday language, and informal contexts.
A thin, flat piece cut from a larger object, typically food like bread, cake, or meat.
To cut something into thin, flat pieces.
A portion or segment of something divided.
In computing, a subset of data or a segment of memory.
The term can be used as a noun or verb and appears in various contexts including cooking, computing, and everyday language.
A brief or faint smell carried in the air.
A quick or unsuccessful attempt at hitting something, especially in sports like baseball.
A slight trace or indication of something, such as a feeling or idea.
An instance of missing or failing to catch or hit a target.
Can be used as a noun or verb; also slang for a failure or miss in informal contexts.
A number of shots or hits made in quick succession, especially in sports like tennis or volleyball.
The simultaneous firing of a number of missiles or guns.
A rapid series of questions or comments directed at someone.
To hit or throw a ball before it touches the ground.
The term can be used in sports, military contexts, and informal conversation.
A person who inflicts punishment or penalties on others for wrongdoing.
A fictional Marvel Comics character known for vigilante justice.
A device or tool used to impose penalties or discipline.
Slang for someone who is very strict or harsh in enforcing rules.
The term can refer to a character name, a general role, or be used informally as slang.